Occupational Therapy Advice and Information

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Shower Cubicle access solutions:

There might be a number of reasons why You are having problems using your existing Shower Cubicle but a couple of the common difficulties are as follows:

Problems lifting legs to safely step up into the shower cubicle or problems lifting legs over the rim of the shower cubicle and stepping down out of it onto the floor of the bathroom.

SOLUTIONS:

Bath steps can also be used to reduce the height of the step into and out of a raised shower cubicle so that if this is a problem to you this provision will enable you to maintain your independence in transferring. It would be recommended, wherever possible, for grab rails to also be fitted in this situation so that you have increased stability and support when transferring over the lip of the shower cubicle because you also have to deal with shower doors/screens, which are not designed to provide sufficient strength to hold onto and pull on when transferring in and out.

They are readily available either with a fixed height or can be provided to a specific height through the purchase of a stacking system of steps that lock for stability.

Some bath steps also come with a fixed side rail, which provides additional stability for the User when lifting legs over the lip of the shower cubicle.

The steps are lightweight and easy to move around but are very durable and have weight limits from anywhere up to 16 stone right up to 30 stone, from some Manufacturers. They are usually made from reinforced plastic, so are easy to clean, but you can also purchase fixed height wooden steps, with a cork top for warmth and safety.

They often have a textured finish to make them more slip-resistant.

They can be purchased in bright colours, which is especially useful if you have a visual impairment.

Grab rails fitted for additional support when lifting legs over the side of the shower cubicle to get in and out will depend on whether there is a wall nearby suitable to fix a rail that will be useful. Rails installed can be smooth, ridged or fluted depending upon your specific needs.

Grab rails fitted within the shower cubicle to enable you to hold them when lifting your legs over the rim of the cubicle or if you need additional support whilst standing in the shower cubicle to wash yourself. This will again depend upon the suitability of the walls within the cubicle and whether it is possible to fix rails securely. Rails installed can be smooth, ridged or fluted depending upon your specific needs.

Flooring throughout the surrounding area of the shower cubicle should be slip resistant and installed to Manufacturer’s instructions i.e. Altro Walkway. This will further improve your safety with transfers and also, where there is a strong possibility that water will escape from the cubicle onto the surrounding floor area, reduce your risk of any possible injury.

This has resolved my difficulty getting in and out of the shower cubicle but I also have problems when standing to shower myself – Click ‘Yes’ below